Synthesis database: Acetylene synthesis

Ethyne or acetylene (HC₂H) is an organic compound that belongs to the group of alkynes (it is the simplest one in the mentioned group). The carbon atoms in the molecule of ethyne are connected by a triple covalent bond, and because of that, ethyne also belongs to the group of unsaturated hydrocarbons. It can easily be synthesized.

For the synthesis, one needs to prepare calcium carbide, water and an Erlenmeyer flask or a similar glass container in which the gas will be generated.

First a few pellets of calcium carbide were added to the beaker, and after that, a few mililiters of water were added as well. The reaction, which starts immidiately, is shown below:

CaC₂ + 2H₂O -> Ca(OH)₂ + C₂H₂

A simple experiment can be done to show the flammability of ethyne. First, one needs to wait for a few moments after the reaction starts, to make sure that the flask is filled only with acetylene, and not with oxygen from the air as well. Then the acetylene can be ignited. It continues to burn with a sooty flame until there is no more of this compound in the flask.